Federal Court Rules Warrant Needed for Border Device Searches, Including NYC Visitors

Jul 29, 2024, 11:23 AM

A federal court has ruled that U.S. border agents must obtain a warrant before searching cell phones and other electronic devices at the border. This decision marks a significant shift in the interpretation of Fourth Amendment rights, which protect against unreasonable searches and seizures. The ruling addresses concerns about the impact of warrantless searches on free speech and press freedom. The court's decision follows a district court ruling in New York that also affirmed the applicability of the Fourth Amendment at airports. This development closes a loophole that previously allowed federal agents to conduct searches without a warrant, even at international borders, including for NYC visitors.